A memorial has been announced in honor of the 9 year-old Oneonta boy who died from an accidental hanging at his home.

The “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the World Outreach Center in Oneonta.

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The tragic incident happened Friday afternoon as AJ Underwood and his family were preparing to go to a birthday party.

Investigators said the boy's mother called out to him and AJ did not respond. When she arrived in his room, she discovered him hanging from a rope that was tied to his bunk bed.

AJ was transported to St. Vincent's Hospital in Blount County where he was pronounced dead.

A few days after the incident, the mother released a statement that reads in part:“Thank you everyone. Your compassion has helped hold my family up and has given us support to fall on. I don't know where we would be without this community and I can't express my gratitude enough.”

The family has a fund set up to help with burial costs. If you'd like to make a donation, click here.